RANK #971 / 1001 NAT · #39 / 43 CA · POP 837,469
1YR FORECAST: -0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +11%
Ventura County, California, stands out for its natural amenities, a characteristic often cited by locals. It was once ranked the most desirable place to live in the country based on its climate, topography, and scenery. Located along the Pacific Ocean, roughly an hour north of Santa Monica, the county offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with access to beaches like those in Ventura and Oxnard, and opportunities for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Inland, the landscape transitions to rolling hills and mountains, providing extensive hiking and biking trails in areas like the Santa Monica Mountains and Harmon Canyon Preserve. Notable towns include Ojai, known for its artistic community and wellness focus, and Camarillo, which offers a suburban atmosphere. Commute options to Los Angeles include Metrolink trains and carpool lanes on major freeways.
Life in Ventura County appeals to families and those seeking a balance between a quieter lifestyle and access to urban centers. The county's public school system serves 12 cities and communities, with districts like Conejo Valley Unified and Oak Park Unified recognized for their schools. The economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and public administration. While economic growth has been slower compared to other parts of Southern California, there is ongoing investment in commercial and residential sectors, as well as in renewable energy infrastructure.
Ventura County is one of 78 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of -0.9% matches the profile's typical -0.8%.
See all 78 Western Premium Correction counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 28.4x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Ventura Energy Storage (Saticoy Energy Storage Project)
Strata Solar (now Strata Clean Energy)
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Maple Court Apartment Complex (350 units)
Unknown
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Black Walnut Battery Energy Storage (2 facilities)
esVolta
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Ventura Compressor Modernization Project
SoCalGas
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Olivas Park Drive Extension and Levee Project
City of Ventura
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Ventura County scores just 2/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #971 of 1001 counties. median household income of $109,797 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Affordability is a real challenge in Ventura County. The median home is valued at $822,700 — with an income-to-home-value ratio of just 0.13, that's significantly harder to afford than in most U.S. counties. Median rent runs $2,317/month.
Population and employment in Ventura County are both close to flat — population -0.1% YoY and jobs 0.0%. Home values shifted -0.9% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.33% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Ventura County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.